University education for students from poorer backgrounds.

[david51058]

The idea being put forward by the government that universities should be forced lower their standards to enable students from poorer backgrounds to go to certain universities is ridiculous. The answer is to raise the standards at school, not lower the standards at university. Typical socialist dumbing down to the lowest common denominator answer to every percieved unfairness.

[squarebear]

I don't see why a gifted student should be barred from University because his family isn't loaded with money. Surely, it should go on merit not money?

[McMouse]

I didn't think universities were being asked to lower their standards, rather they should do much more to attract students from poor backgrounds by ensuring that tuition fees were not an issue.

[jake-the-peg]

No they are not suggestiong that they lower their standards - where do you get some of these ideas from

Don't answer that I think I know!

They are being asked to recognise that a lot of kids from private schools have unfair advantages in applying.

They have schools where the teachers know all the ins and outs of getting into OxBridge, they have had better facilities and more stable home lives.

These advantages often disappear when their University lives start and so that should be taken into account in deciding who would profit most from the place.

Not only that but they they may now be put off by the size of the bill that mummy and daddy won't just write out of this years bonus cheque!

Typical right wing - pulling up the ladder - can't stand the idea of giving a fair break to gifted kids from poorer backgrounds!

[david51058]

NO, I dont object at all to anyone going to university, rich or poor. All I am saying is that those who can pass the entrance exam should all have the same chance of attending and that there should be no special rules for any social group.

[jackthehat]

That would be the ideal scenario, david.

However, the entire *pre* admission years of education are skewed towards attaining admittance to the (top) university of choice.
If, by dint, of where you live 'your' opportunities are limited as to where you can apply or be admitted, then your natural brilliance will go unnoticed whilst some chinless wonder who went to a forward-thinking school will breeze through......

That is the situation which needs to be addressed.

[youngmafbog]

Actually Jake it was on the BBC - your beloved Blair/Brown lefty bradcasting organisation where I heard it.

I was stuck listening to it as its the only channel in Bruxelles, now there's a surprise.

[kinell]

university 'in the old days' was quite rightly for the intelligent elite',

the others made do with college and polytechnic,

now that most of these lower academies are called universities and secondary schools have fancy names instead of secondary modern etc... what next?

i hear 'early learning' shops are to be redesignated as universities..

being a graduate in earlier years meant something and was of value to future employers..

i couldnt care less if an applicant had a degree (unless the role required specific scientific qualifications)... its about ambition and aptitude and you dont need money to possess that.

[McMouse]

When I was a boy university education was free. There were fewer places and entrance was generally based on merit. Regrettably some of the more exclusive colleges did operate a discrete preference for the sons of the good, great or wealthy.

[andy-hughes]

I cannot ever recall a time when the concept of university was so much discussed - it's all over the media like a rash.

The fact that this - and the previous - government seem to forget is that university is far from an ideal choice for every school leaver.

The drop-out rate in the first term for most universities is over one third - because a lot of young people not only have no idea what they actually want to do with their lives, they also lack the maturity to live and study away from home.

It simply doesn't suit everyone - and the notion that every man, woman, and their dogs is clamouring to head for the proverbial dreaming spires is simply a nonsense.

The government should be funding decvecnt apprenticeships and means for the less academic leavers to find a skill which is lacking - have you tried to get a plumber or an electrician lately?

University education is currently 'sexy' - and as a result it is devalued, which helps no-one, including the vast swathes or unemployed graduates who are starting life with a potential debt as soon as they start to earn a decent living.

It needs to be stopped - now.

[tamborine]

if they're so gifted couldn't they search for sponsorships rather than expect tax payers to foot their bills ?

[Scylax]

Let us not forget that debts incurred by university tuition loans only become payable when the graduate is earning a healthy salary. Students from sink-estates are in the same boat as everyone else...the entry requirements are more to do with intellect than
environmental background.